Knee Deep in Gracehttp://kneedeepingrace.com
Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:36:39 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.515804367KneeDeepInGracehttps://feedburner.google.comReformation Day Giveawayhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2015/10/reformation-day-giveaway/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2015/10/reformation-day-giveaway/#respondWed, 21 Oct 2015 16:14:45 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=3839For many, October 31st is known as “Reformation Day,” and Martin Luther, with his shaking of the church of his time, as the “Father of the Reformation.” The date acknowledges Luther’s nailing his ninety-five theses to a church door on October 31, 1517 in Wittenburg, Germany; and becoming a major catalyst in what we now historically call the Protestant Reformation.

We would do well to recall The Five Solas (Latin phrases) that emerged during the Reformation. These should essentially underlay Christianity:

Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.

Giving our children a firm foundation in their faith is vitally important. Danika Cooley has been lauded as “an engaging writer of children’s literature, she is a careful and winsome theologian.” I am excited to be reading her latest book, When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther, and it will soon be available to you. (You can actually pre-order it now from Amazon at a sweet discount.) To celebrate Reformation Day and the release of When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther, I’ve joined together with a team of blogger friends to host a fantastic giveaway, valued at over $500!

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited by law. Must be at least 18 years of age. This giveaway is in no away associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. No purchase necessary for entry. Odds are determined by the number of entries. Selected winners will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prizes or another winner will be drawn. Entry into this giveaway will subscribe you to the Thinking Kids Press email list.

I woke up with this song, from Psalm 25, on my mind this morning,

Unto Thee, O Lord, by Maranatha! Singers

Blessed Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You are good and upright. I am thankful that all Your paths are mercy and truth. Forgive my sins, Lord, and help me to keep short accounts with You. Let me never be ashamed of You, or who I am, in You. I have nothing to fear, because You are with me. Let not my enemies triumph over me — Whether real or imagined, physical or mental, foreign or domestic. My trust is in You, Almighty God. Keep my soul, and deliver me. Deliver our nation, Lord. Deliver and restore us to righteousness, for Your Namesake. Blessed be Your name! In Jesus’ name, I pray. . . Amen.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

James 1:5 & 6

~

Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for this day. A new day to seek You, and Your ways; to serve You, and those around me. Help me to set aside me, and clearly see You. Help me to be who You created me to be. I ask You for wisdom, Lord, believing that You will bless me just as Your word says. May I speak only Truth, and right things. May my mouth represent You, and Your righteousness. Be with me, this day, Lord, that even one life will be changed for You, and Your kingdom; and that together we will change our homes, our nation; and this world, by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Blessed be Your Holy Name, for You are worthy to be praised! In Jesus’ name, I ask these things. . . Amen.

Blessings,

]]>http://kneedeepingrace.com/2014/04/next100-days-101/feed/13810Unlocking Student Potential ~ A TOS Reviewhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/09/people-keys-student-keys/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/09/people-keys-student-keys/#commentsMon, 16 Sep 2013 15:54:07 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=3783“The more you know about yourself, the better prepared you will be to make quality decisions for your future.”

telephone: 1.800.779.3472

Dr. Sanford Kulkin has more than 25 years experience in the study and application of social behavior and personality assessment. Since 2004, PeopleKeys.comhas helped thousands of organizations achieve their corporate goals. Assisting them with employee assessments, behavioral analysis; and more.

StudentKeyshave been designed to identify student strengths in the areas of:

This binder includes six separate StudentKeys workbooks, primarily written for use by high school through college age students. They are each 8 1/2″ x 11″, small (17 – 24 pages), black on white paper workbooks. They can aid us, as parents and teachers, in recognizing, understanding; and teaching to our children’s strengths.

The Personality Style WB

= designed to help you understand your strengths, limitations and encourages you to appreciate your differences and the differences of those around you. “Personality styles are the language of observable behavior.”

The Perceptual Learning Style WB

= created to assist you in understanding how you best absorb information and learn through your senses. It explains the differences between the three styles of learning — Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic — and then profiles your personal style of learning.

The Cognitive Thinking Style WB

= intended to enhance your understanding of how your mind thinks. Different thinkers — Literal, Intuitive, Theoretical, or Experiential — are motivated to learn in different ways.

The Values Style WB

= designed to help you understand and clarify your personal values style; noting that values are underlying motivators that affect every area of our life.

The Career Choice WB & The Goal Setting WB

= acknowledge your personality style using the D.I.S.C. profiling system, and help you make critical decisions, and plans to positively affect your future.

~

I originally wanted this Student Binder for my high school senior. Once I received it and browsed through it, I decided I should include my freshman daughter, as well. Every page of every workbook says, “All Rights Reserved. Duplication Prohibited,” so one of the first things I did was to call StudentKeys – 1.800.779.3472, to ask their policy for making copies of worksheets within my family. They didn’t hesitate to assure me they had no problem with my copying work pages for my own children. They just don’t want anyone taking advantage of their generosity (my words) and making copies for co-ops or corporate. I truly appreciate this, and decided that my college age children, my husband and I would all benefit from working through this binder.

These workbooks can easily be used alone by high school students, but I chose to facilitate the tests and exercises. Yep, that’s my personality! We learned, and continue to learn, to identify, understand, observe; and build effective relationships. This is designed for high school and college classrooms, roommates, jobs, etc.; but you can see why I was excited to have more insight into better working relationships within our own family. For the most part, it’s been accurate, real, and good for us.

We’ve been reminded that no learning style is better than another. They all have strengths and weak areas. This was very affirming to some of my kids! They’re learning that they can become skilled in using all of their sensory channels, if they explore them to understand them, and then apply what they learn. The questions and exercises throughout each of the workbooks are very helpful.

The Thinking WB includes a thorough profile, explanation, examples and worksheet exercises. My students didn’t feel labeled, but felt they were given a tool to discover and understand how to maximize their strengths, while minimizing their weaknesses. I wished I’d had these tools years ago!

Even in the same family and household, each person operates on a system of values that is unique to them. I didn’t understand this before, nearly as well as I do now. Our values determine our perception of everything, and everyone around us. Without a clear understanding of our own value system and attempting to understand differing values styles, we have the tendency to become hurt and offended, fearful of interaction with others, and even unsympathetic. We’re in the process of seeing each other a little clearer.

We have enthusiastically browsed the Career and Goal Setting workbooks, but we haven’t really used them, yet. The opportunity to read lists of General Occupations enjoyed by each, individual personality style is definitely interesting. A couple of my children have already had their present career choices confirmed, and that was quite a confidence builder. The Goal Setting WB appears to include a lot of tips and worksheets — setting Career Goals, Educational Goals, Leisure Goals, and Personal Goals — with instruction for understanding and managing obstacles; and prioritizing and making a workable timeline. Intensive, but we’re looking forward to getting to it!

The StudentKeys Student Binder is a valued asset to being our best selves and doing our best to achieve the purpose God created each of us for.

Please, browse the PeopleKeys website, and click the banner below and follow the link to read what my fellow Crew mates have to say about this product, too.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* I received the StudentKeys Student Binder Package, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

]]>http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/09/people-keys-student-keys/feed/13783The Homegrown Preschooler ~ A TOS Reviewhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/08/the-homegrown-preschooler/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/08/the-homegrown-preschooler/#commentsFri, 02 Aug 2013 15:39:14 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=3760Gryphon Houseis an exceptional publisher of educational resource books for teachers and parents, public school and homeschool, young children; and administrators. Their website is easy to navigate and stimulating. There are hundreds of free activities available for you and your child!

The authors, Kathy Lee and Leslie Richards, are mothers of several children, birthed and adopted; including gifted and special needs. They have years of education and hands-on experience between the two of them, and their book is beautifully compiled. A large, 81/2″x 11″, high gloss paperback, it is bold, colorful, inviting; and full of life. With the family pictures and personal anecdotes generously scattered throughout the book, by the end of it, I felt like I had shared conversations and special moments with wonderful, trusted friends.

From their intros, they had my attention. Kathy Lee says, “Children who experience their preschool years discovering and experiencing are more willing to take risks later in their education journey.” I didn’t previously know this, so within the first few pages I gained valuable information. Then, Leslie said, “. . . much of learning can be done within the everyday rhythm of life — measuring flour, skip counting on the trampoline, bringing a meal to a shut-in, writing letters to friends, participating in interesting conversations about big ideas,” and I was reminded of what I do know; and I found encouragement.

The Homegrown Preschooler is divided into 2 sections:

Chapters 1 – 9 help you understand why and how to educate your child/ren at home, giving them a foundation for life-long learning.

Homeschooling – Harvesting a Bountiful Life

Learning through Play

Sowing the Seeds – Preschool Learning

Setting the Stage

Home Life = Learning — Slow Down and Teach

Who Has Time for This?

Organizing It All

Days and Seasons That Don’t Fit in the Box

and

Special Circumstances.

The second section is nearly 100 pages, with at least 200 “easy-to-pull-together”, age appropriate Activities to prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond. Promoting a healthy educational balance for –

Home Life

Science

Gross Motor

Fine Motor

Math

Language & Emergent Literacy

Art

and Social – Emotional skills.

An Appendix includes an Activity Checklist, a Getting Started Checklist; and pages of Resources, with web sites, books, blogs and apps to lend a hand, instruct and encourage you along the way. They share all their favorites!

I tried recipes, for food and play. There are dozens of them throughout the book. I’ve made ordinary finger paints and play dough before, but I’d never made clean mud or puffy paint! The make-ahead Turkey Taco Pie is easy. The recipe makes a lot, so it can be divided and frozen for extra pies, but it is actually perfect for my large family. It tastes good, too! I hone in on housekeeping and organizational tips, because the Lord knows I can use as much help in that department as I can get. There are so many good ideas here — some I’ve had myself, implemented and forgotten, or simply slacked off on, and I’ve read them as gentle reminders; others are brand new, and more than once I’ve thought, “Duh, why didn’t I think of that!” For example, we have wood floors and I taught my children how to sweep and mop them. How much more fun is it to have “The Clean Floor Dance Party: This often dreaded chore will become one of your favorites! Provide your child with a pair of white tube socks and a spray bottle of white vinegar and water. Encourage your child to squirt the hard floor with the vinegar solution. Put on your favorite dance music. Dance and skate around on the floor until it is shiny!” Clean floor, lots of fun and laughter, plus, with the amount of floor we have, this gets everyone’s heart rate up and counts as cardiovascular exercise, or PE, too!

I have no doubt, I will continue to use this book, digging into its riches. At $29.95, it’s a treasure I can share with my daughters who are just beginning to teach my preschool grandchildren. The Homegrown Preschooler is much more articulate than I am and I think it will be one of the best tools I can offer them for their journey.

My Crew mates had the choice of reviewing this same book or one titled, Global Art. You can read their reviews when you click the graphic below and follow the link.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* I received The Homegrown Preschooler: Teaching Your Kids in the Places They Live, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

]]>http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/08/the-homegrown-preschooler/feed/23760Homeschool Programming ~ A TOS Reviewhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/07/homeschool-programming/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/07/homeschool-programming/#commentsFri, 26 Jul 2013 06:26:28 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=3747The fact is that I really want my children to be more techie than I am. I think it’s important in this time, and will be even more so, in their future. It seems to take me forever and a day to learn something new when it comes to the computer, so I know I’m not equipped to teach them Computer Science. As a homeschool parent/teacher, I learned long ago that I don’t have to know everything. I just have to know how to find the resource and make it available to my child.

Homeschool Programming, Inc.is my resource. They had me with their home page Welcome! and this description: “Our computer programming courses for kids and teens teach students to write programs, games, and Android applications! No teacher expertise required! All of our award-winning computer science courses for Visual Basic, C#, and Java are self-study,” and they’ll keep me because I think their TeenCoder C# Serieslays an excellent Computer Science foundation for my high school student.

I had the opportunity to use TeenCoder C# Series with my son, a high school junior. It’s designed for 9th – 12th graders, so I expected it to be a good fit for him. I wasn’t disappointed. He’s had no previous programming experience, but he’s familiar with navigating Windows on our PC. That’s really the only requirement.

TeenCoder C# Series is divided into two stand alone courses, each a full semester of work. One semester is spent on C# programming skills – WindowsProgramming, and another semester covers writing graphical computer games – Game Programming. Together, they fill the need for high school Computer Science credit.

Included with each course is a Student Textbook e-book, and a Teacher’s Edition, that mainly gives me a synopsis of what my student is working on. There are also chapter tests/answers in PDF format. The Student Text is written to the student. My son says it is “interesting and easy to follow.” I’ve stood over his shoulder a couple of times, out of pure personal interest; but thankfully not because he needed my help with anything. We’ve found there’s truly no teacher experience or prep needed. It’s not that he understands everything the first time he reads it, but he can read it again and follow the clear instructions. Everything necessary to his success is included in the teaching.

The first chapter begins with the most basic step and builds a step at a time through the final chapter.

The Windows course covers:

Introduction and Installation of C#

C# Syntax

Data Types

Debugging

Recursion

Reading & Writing Files

Polymorphism

and more.

Thorough, detailed instructions are given with each lesson, and for audio-visual learners, additional Instructional Videos areavailable, to be used in conjunction with the Student Text.

They work well for reinforcement and clarification, but they are not as complete as the written instructions. We did find them helpful on occasion, but unnecessary for every lesson. Once he read a lesson, I let my son decide if he wanted to watch the video that accompanied it, or not. A hands-on project or Activity is assigned at the end of each chapter, with a final project due at the end of the book. These are the best part of the course, as far as my student is concerned. They challenge him, but then affirm that he’s learning the language and learning to program. He hasn’t reached his final project, yet — designing a graphical chess game — because he’s in Canada with our church’s mission team; but he’s excited to complete it and see what his dad and sister think of it. They play against each other at least 3 or 4 times a week, so they’ll be good judges of his design.

The Game course builds on Windows Programming. It’s the next logical step, and Windows is actually a pre-requisite.

The Game course chapters cover:

An Intro and Review of What the Student Already Knows

Programming

Design

Graphics

Sprites & Swarm

Animation & Sound Effects

Multiplayer Games, Scrolling Games

and

Artificial Intelligence!

It is set up the same way as Windows, with lessons, followed by activities. We haven’t even started Game Programming, but the cool thing is that an interest is already sparked in my son’s mind. Whether or not he pursues Computer Science beyond high school, I think this course will benefit him. At the moment, he just thinks it’s fun and it takes up a space on his transcript. My view — I’m from the “knowledge is power” generation, so who knows where this might take him.

Windows Programming and Game Programming can be purchased separately, for $75. each; or as a Year Pack for $130. for both courses. The Instructional Videos are $20. each and are not a required purchase. I am more than satisfied with this product and plan to use it with my other children. I’ll have a new freshman next year, so I’ll write an update on how she navigates the program.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* I received the TeenCoder C# Series, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

]]>http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/07/homeschool-programming/feed/1374725 Truths: Life Principles. . . A TOS Reviewhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/07/25truths-life-principles/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/07/25truths-life-principles/#commentsTue, 23 Jul 2013 03:26:06 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=373025 Truths: Life Principles of the Happiest and Most Successful Among Us, by Ed Douglas, from Ed Douglas Publications, has the potential to be a powerful tool in anyone’s life, when it is read and consistently applied.

It is a small, paperback book, just 5″X7″ and 150 pages. It contains more than ideas, theories ormere possibilities, though. Written on these pages are proven life experiences, and principles of successful living.

Each chapter title is a truth, a life principle; followed by a famous, relative quote or scripture reference. Mr. Douglas then shares a story of life experience, from his own life, the life of someone he’s known; or an historical account, to expound on and reinforce the importance of each of the 25Truths. There is a brief Summary and Workshop of discussion questions included at the end of every chapter. The chapters are a clear and concise 3 – 5 pages max, teaching on character & values, interaction with others, faith, family, health & happiness; and more.

Basically written for 6th – 12th graders, I chose to use it with my children and grandchildren, ages 8 – 14. When I knew my grandchildren were going to be spending their summer vacation camping with us, I decided I would use 25 Truths: Life Principles of the Happiest and Most Successful Among Us,as our daily devotional. I read it to them in the morning, at lunchtime, or winding down before bed. I would read one of the Truths and the discussion questions that accompany it, to myself, ahead of time. That took a whole 3 – 4 minutes! Then, we’d gather around the camp fire, start with prayer; and I’d read aloud. I used the discussion questions to help guide me and ensure I covered all the key points, but I chose to stop reading at different places throughout the text, and ask questions that would prompt sharing; instead of using them exclusively at the end of the chapter. We “chased a few rabbits,” as they say, and “got off on a tangent or two,” because of this decision, but the book definitely facilitated a good, open discussion between us. After we wrapped up our lesson, we’d close in prayer, asking God to bring the Truth to mind and help us live it out. It was a focused 15 – 20 minutes, once a day, using it this way. I think we all enjoyed the time and I expect it will have long lasting rewards. More than once during our days together, one or another would reference one of the Truths we had studied, as a way of accountability, in casual conversation, when they thought of another personal story that connected to something they remembered; or with pop quizzes to see who could name the most Truths. It was apparent they were thinking about the 25 Truths, even when we weren’t studying them.

I’m going to assign this little gem of a book to my high school age children this coming year. Because it’s based on a sound, Christian world view, I believe it will make a great study of character values. They can read it themselves, and answer the discussion questions in writing.

I think the positive reinforcements and benefits of Ed Douglas’ 25 Truths is worth more than $12.50, but I appreciate the price, because it’s affordable to purchase as a gift, also.

In addition, several of my Crew mates have written reviews of 25 Truths: Life Principles of the Happiest and Most Successful Among Us, and you can find them when you click the banner below and follow the link.

“It is my belief,” writes Ed Douglas, “that understanding and practicing these truths can help put the “man” together one person at a time so that, together, we can help the world fall into place.” I’m willing to do my part. . .

Blessings,

Disclaimer* I received the book,25Truths, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

In our loss, we feel robbed of it.

It heals.

We kill it.

It changes people. It changes everything.

We ask what it is. Only it will tell.

You can use it up,

You can run it out;

but you can’t run from it.

We need it.

We make it. We waste it.

We spend it. We save it. We lose track of it.

We want more of it.

What are you doing with yours?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up;a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance;a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;a time to seek, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to cast away;a time to tear, and a time to sew;a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;a time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace.”

Warmly,

Sarah E.

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.

]]>http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/06/time/feed/33702Prima Latina by Memoria Press ~ A TOS Reviewhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/06/prima-latina-memoria-press/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/06/prima-latina-memoria-press/#commentsMon, 17 Jun 2013 15:53:45 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=3675Classical Christian education is based on the trivium, the lower division of the seven liberal arts, focusing on grammar — the memorization of facts pertaining to each subject, logic — organizing ones thoughts, statements, and arguments; and rhetoric — the art of speaking, communicating, and writing well, and taught from the perspective of a Christian worldview. Memoria Pressis “a family-run publishing company that produces simple and easy-to-use classical Christian education materials for home and private schools. It was founded by Cheryl Lowe in 1994.” Their “products are characterized by three things: simplicity, quality, and affordability.” They have grown by leaps and bounds in the past 15 years, offering a complete Classical Core Curriculumfor each grade, pre-K through 12; and individual subjects from Phonics & Early Readingto Greekand Latin.

Memoria Press’website is easy to navigate, and in addition to more in-depth product information you’ll find a great resource of encouraging articles.

Cheryl Lowe says, “Memoria Press’ Prima Latina and Latina Christiana programs are Christian Latin courses designed to introduce your child to the rich heritage of the Christian tradition and will provide you, the teacher, with the necessary core component for your Latin-centered curriculum.” It is written specifically, with a fine attention to detail, for parents and teachers who don’t know Latin. Since that’s the exact boat I’m in, I’m pleased to use it with my younger students!

I have read, researched, and discovered that Latin teaches English; and it does it exceptionally well. Latin is a cohesive binder, tying subjects together from history to grammar, and more. It is regular and precise. A discipline that can be counted on to be systematic, steady; and analytical. I am excited by the possibilities that a solid foundation in Latin may afford my children.

I have the Prima Latina complete set, that retails for $90.90. It includes the Student Book, Teacher Manual, Pronunciation CD, Instructional DVD’s; and Flashcards. I didn’t invest in the Prima Latina Copybook, yet; but I definitely plan to purchase it. It will add cursive writing and penmanship to our program.

We’ve been doing 3 lessons a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Doing our review work, recitation practice, using flash cards; and quizzing on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sometimes, spending time in the evening, because we can, reciting our vocabulary words, and practicing the prayers and hymns we’re learning from Lingua Angelica. Leigh Lowe goes over everything on the DVD’s. Each DVD lesson is only about 15 – 20 minutes long, but there is a total 9 hours of instruction. She introduces each lesson and vocabulary, pronouncing a word or phrase several times and having us repeat it. She follows the student book, which makes it easy for the student to follow her. Workbook pages correspond to and reinforce the lessons we’re learning . I couldn‘t do it without her. I wouldn’t do it without the DVD’s. With Leigh’s guidance and teaching, it is actually simple, and fun! My young ones feel like they’re learning a secret-coded-language, because very few of their family or friends understand it. Over the 25 lessons we’re learning vocabulary, derivatives, beginning declensions; and conjugations. We see Latin roots in so many words now, and have had competitions to see who can find the most in a given paragraph or two. By the end of this year, if we stick with it as we intend to, we will have learned: seven parts of speech, 125 Latin words, numbers 1 through 10, basic constellations, simple introductions to tenses, Latin phrases; and more.You might have noticed that I’ve used the word “we” throughout this entire paragraph, because I am learning right alongside my children. We’re building new, strong foundations and strengthening some old ones!

What’s your experience with the Latin language?

I hope you’ll check out Memoria Press,Latin. I highly recommend it.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* I received Prima Latina complete set, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

]]>http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/06/prima-latina-memoria-press/feed/13675Art Ditto by Birdcage Press ~ A TOS Reviewhttp://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/06/art-ditto-birdcage-press/
http://kneedeepingrace.com/2013/06/art-ditto-birdcage-press/#respondFri, 14 Jun 2013 15:45:22 +0000http://kneedeepingrace.com/?p=3666It never ceases to amaze me what one creative, motivated momma can accomplish when she has three young children, and wants to teach them that learning is fun!In this case, the woman is Wenda O’Reilly. Her first game was published by Birdcage Pressin 2000. There are now more than 30 award-winning games available!

“Classic card games with an educational twist.”

I recently had the opportunity to review Art Ditto. It is a memory game, but it is so much more, too!

There are 48, 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″, high-gloss, heavy-duty tiles of famous museum-quality paintings. The paintings depict birds, boats, cats, flowers, horses; and music. They are gorgeous! There are also 8, 5″ x 10″ cards that can be used for collecting art sets. Designed for ages 4+, it is a wonderful game for family play with multiple ages. You’ll find it on the website for $24.95, and possibly in your local art museum’s gift shop.

Because Art Ditto is a memory game, it promotes visual processing, matching, memory, taking turns; and sharing for young children. The pictures are vibrant, and hold a child’s attention. This game is not just for wee ones, though. The cards list the subject of the painting, the artist; and the name of the painting and the date. The text is written in four languages! English, French, Spanish; and German. (I do wish there was a pronunciation guide included, because it took me some time to look up the proper pronunciations so I could read them aloud.) This game could easily be used, with older students, as a supplement to their art studies, history; and language.

I played it with a 4 year old. Just me and my granddaughter. She loved the art! We spent at least 15 minutes just enjoying the paintings, and discussing what we saw in them. 48 cards seemed a bit overwhelming for a memory game, though, and it took us forever to match them; so after the first game, we chose themes ahead of time. One time we chose the tiles with flowers and tiles with the color green on them, another time we chose tiles that had something “living” on them, and so on. Each new game, we mixed up the set of tiles and played with the smaller set, making it quicker and a little more enjoyable for her age. It’s a game that can easily grow with her, and future grandchildren.

My Crew mates reviewed several of the products that are available at Birdcage Press, and if you click the banner below and follow the link you’ll find them there.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* I received the game, Art Ditto, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.